Bravo Insider Exclusive!

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more!

Sign Up for Free to View
The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of Orange County

Why Katie Ginella Wears a Sapphire Engagement Ring *and* Diamond Ring: "Upgrade" (PHOTOS)

Plus, hear all about The Real Housewives of Orange County newbie's cute engagement story.

By Casey Suglia

Katie Ginella hit a hole-in-one when it came to finding her husband, Matt Ginella. 

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of Orange County on Thursdays at 9/8c and next day on Peacock. Catch up on the Bravo App.

The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member and former golf reporter might be a newcomer to the show, but she is seasoned in love with her husband of almost eight years. Viewers have been getting acquainted with Katie's blended family, including her three kids from a previous relationship, and son, Bandon, who she shares with Matt. 

While watching Season 18 of RHOC, viewers might have also gotten a glimpse of her beautiful light purple sapphire ring that Matt proposed to her with and her "upgraded" anniversary ring, which she often wears at the same time on separate hands. Both of Katie's rings perfectly capture her personality — classic, bold, and slightly unconventional.

Katie Ginella's Engagement Ring

Detailed view of Katie Ginella's original and newer engagement ring.

Katie told The Daily Dish that Matt originally proposed to her with a purple sapphire ring, instead of a diamond, which is untraditional by engagement ring standards. "Because I told him we're getting engaged, I just wanted a band," she explained. "The ring says nothing about a marriage in my mind."

Prior to getting engaged, Katie said that she and Matt had walked into a jewelry store together to see her band size. But of course, they ended up finding the perfect ring for her. "I tried on that one and I was like, 'that's gorgeous' and he got it right then."

A detailed view of Katie Ginella's new engagement ring.

Katie Ginella's Diamond Anniversary Ring

For their seven-year anniversary this past October, however, Katie got "a little bit of an upgrade" with an emerald-cut, solitaire diamond, as seen on the show. The stunning sparkler is so hard to miss.

Here’s what you may have missed on Bravo:

All About Tamra Judge's Engagement Ring That Her Husband Eddie Got Her From Costco

We Can't Stop Staring at Margaret Josephs' Gorgeous Square Engagement Ring

See Lisa Vanderpump's Stunning 20-Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Up Close

How did Katie Ginella get engaged to Matt Ginella?

Before the couple tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony at the Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, Matt proposed to Katie in Orlando, where she was living at the time, according to Brides

"It was in Orlando at our favorite restaurant called Hillstone, and Orlando's full of lakes," she told The Daily Dish. "So there's a dock in the back, we ate dinner, I knew he had bought the ring. And I text my friend, 'It's not happening, it's raining, he's not going to do it.' We already paid. And then he was like, 'Let's go have a glass of wine on the back porch.'"

Katie was certain that Matt was not going to do it then and there. But, he surprised her. "And that's when he proposed," she said. "He had a photographer waiting in the bushes and he was snapping photos. And I don't even remember what he said...you're just like in a cloud of happiness."

When did Katie Ginella get married to Matt Ginella?

Shortly after getting engaged, Katie got pregnant with Bandon. And almost a year later, the couple tied the knot (without their families) in front of 24 friends in the Ozarks, according to Brides.

"We basically eloped," Katie recently explained to The Daily Dish. But, they waited until the wedding to tell their loved ones that she was pregnant with Bandon.

"I think at the time I was 11 weeks pregnant, and we announced at dinner after our wedding that we were having a baby," she explained. "So that was definitely a giant secret. People were like, 'Why aren't you drinking?' And I was like, 'Oh just stressed, you know' but that was why."

Who Is Matt Ginella? 

According to his Instagram bio he is a "digital creator... storyteller & founder of Fire Pit Productions. Host of Ginella’s Journeys, BONFIRES, 'In the Dirt' & the Fire Pit Podcast."

His has previously worked at Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest, and the Golf Channel, according to is LinkedIn.

Katie Ginella Says Matt Ginella is an "Amazing Dad"

Katie told BravoTV.com that she is excited for viewers to see more of Matt as Season 18 of RHOC airs. "He's hysterical, and that's kind of what made me fall in love with him is I laugh every single day," she shared.

"He's super hard working, he's [a] super amazing dad. So yeah, he's great."

Want the latest Bravo updates? Text us for breaking news and more!